Feria del Alfeñique, Toluca

An off-the-beaten path fair to truly indulge in a traditional Day of the Dead celebration

Address
Los Portales, Centro, 50000 Toluca de Lerdo, Méx., Mexico

Feria del Alfeñique is an annual event that takes place in Los Portales, in the city center of Toluca, about 45 minutes driving distance from Mexico City. The fair celebrates Day of the Dead since 1989 and begins in the middle of October up until the beginning of November.

In Los Portales, you will find vendors selling typical sugar skulls, flowers, catrinas and many other hand-made items and candies that you will not be able to find anywhere else in the world. This is a highly traditional event and most artisans work on their crafts throughout the whole year to be able to sell their things during the fair. If you are looking for something original to take back home, this is where you will find it! Not only will you be taking something really unique, but you will also be helping out the artisans.

Aside from the markets, many other things take place during the fair such as demonstrations, workshops, concerts, expositions and more.

The word “alfeñique” comes from arabic origins and references a paste of cooked sugar. Today, the word is used to refer to the sugar skulls that are typical of this millenary Mexican holiday that has gained popularity around the world. Pro tip: You can ask to have your name written on the skull!